San Mateo County Devil's Slide Coastal Trail opens Thursday, March 27, 2014

Half Moon Bay Review/Julia Reis, 3/13/14.  "Devil's slide trail set to open but questions remain. Lack of pedestrian route to Devil's Slide Trail concerns locals."

"The much-anticipated Devil’s Slide Trail set to open March 27 is expected to attract crowds of locals and out-of-towners alike who are eager to see the newest Bay Area recreational spot set against dramatic Pacific Ocean views.

True, we used to drive this trail

Midcoast view looking toward Pacifica

It’s that expected influx of people — 80,000 people are expected to visit the new trail each year — that has some Coastsiders concerned about traffic congestion and pedestrian safety outside the trail itself.

“On the trail, people will get along fine, whereas (with) people outside the trail walking along and crossing the highway, there will be a much greater potential for problems,” said Pat Tierney, an El Granada resident who serves on the Midcoast Parks and Recreation Committee and is the chair and professor of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism at San Francisco State University."

....  The city of Pacifica has a free weekend shuttle from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that will stop at the north portal parking lot of the trail, but that service has seen low ridership since it started in December 2012, Horsley says. He believes it would benefit Pacifica and the Midcoast if an arrangement could be worked out to bring the free shuttle service down the coast, perhaps with a stop at Half Moon Bay Airport."  Read article.

Reference (the project) -  San Mateo County Parks Department, "Devil's Slide Coastal Trail project". "Construction begins on Devil's Slide Trail."  "Work on the south end of the 1.3-mile-long trail has begun. Portions of what was once a highway require surface repairs in order to ensure safe use by hikers and bicycle riders. In addition, 10 interpretive panels will be placed at key points along the trail to provide visitors historic, geographic and bird and marine life information. By February, work will move to the north end of the trail with an expected completion and entire trail opening date in late March.  The Devil’s Slide Trail Project involves the conversion of the segment of Highway 1 south of the City of Pacifica, which was closed after the opening of the Devil’s Slide Bypass Tunnels, into a public multi-use non-motorized trail. The project includes roadway surfacing, signage, accessibility improvements, habitat protection, and overlooks. The 90% project plans include revisions based on public comments and staff review."  Note:  photographs from this San Mateo County Parks website.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

One less alleged criminal in Pacifica

Marc Steven Ormando
alleged bomb-maker criminal
no longer a Pacifica resident

San Mateo County Times/Erin Ivie, 3/13/14.  "San Francisco police arrest tow on suspicion of making bombs in Pacifica, San Pablo."

"SAN FRANCISCO -- A San Pablo man and a Pacifica man were arrested by San Francisco police last week after investigators uncovered a horde of more than 600 explosives that "could have leveled their homes and damaged surrounding neighborhoods," authorities said.

....  Investigators obtained a warrant to search their homes after they tried to purchase some of the items undercover, Newman said. San Francisco police, along with the FBI, U.S. Marshals and a Marin County Task Force, found a cache of explosives and barrels of explosive making chemicals inside Ormando's Pacifica home, along with 17 handguns and rifles." Read article.

Related articles -  San Francisco Chronicle/Kale Williams, 3/13/14.  "S.F. police arrest 2 alleged bomb-makers."  "The men, 37-year-old Sean Patrick Gunther of San Pablo and 47-year-old Marc Steven Ormando of Pacifica, were arrested March 6, following an undercover operation that spanned several months and involved multiple agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Marshals, said Sgt. Danielle Newman, a San Francisco police spokeswoman."

Sacramento Bee/Associated Press/Terry Collins, 3/13/14. "2 arrested after explosives found in San Francisco." .... "These were not firecrackers we're talking about here," police Sgt. Danielle Newman said. "They had enough material that if something occurred in either one of their homes, it would've been catastrophic for the surrounding areas." .... The men pleaded not guilty to the charges in court on Monday. Ormando and Gunther were being held at the San Francisco jail on bail of $2.75 million and $1.5 million, respectively, the Sheriff's Department said. Both were due in court again on Friday."

Note:  the photograph of Marc Steven Ormando being booked into jail is from the related San Francisco Chronicle article (above). 

 Posted by Kathy Meeh

The highway widening is the compromise, enjoy!

Be nice, you already ate the 380 interchange

Pacifica Tribune/Elaine Larsen, Editor and Publisher, 3/11/14.  "Highway to heaven."  

"It may be called Highway 1, but the issue of whether to widen an existing bottleneck between Fassler and Reina del Mar has been around for at least a couple of decades.

I've been living and working in Pacifica for years. The Highway 1 issue predates me. My recollection is that it has been bandied about since, well, at least 1980. At some level, it probably dates back to the 1950s, when former Tribune owner, the late Bill Drake, first drove down into Pacifica and saw a town and ocean he liked. His quote was: "I bought an ocean view and they threw in the newspaper." Over the years, the Tribune has written about the Highway 1 issue endlessly. I was there for many years of battles and a multitude of lawsuits. It got pretty heated the first time in the late 1980s, when it was about a major highway upgrade and interchange. Due to the public outcry, it got downgraded to the Calera Creek Parkway plan.

Yes folks, the current plan was the "compromise," although many people either forgot that, or were not here at the time. The original plan had overcrossings and major freeway elements. The Calera Creek Parkway plan was actually engineered by an environmentally minded city employee, Tim Molinare. He was not interested in the Caltrans' plan and worked endlessly to advocate for a less intrusive concept. One that would help improve traffic flow and periodic congestion and ensure safe access for fire trucks during accidents and other backups."   Read article. 

Submitted by Bob Hutchinson

Note:  photograph from  Ligonier organization/R.C. Sproul Ministries.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

City climate action plan moves forward

Eco-riddle, mindful ....
like "the sound of one hand clapping"

Pacifica Tribune/Jane Northrop, Staff Writer, 3/11/14.  "City Council pursues draft climate action plan without energy savings ordinances for homes and businesses."   

....  "Mayor Mary Ann Nihart said Pacifica is doing this work to comply with state laws. Laws have been set that reduce green house gas emissions -- 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020... "

....  The controversial part of the plan was the Residential Energy Conservation (RECO) and Commercial Energy Conservation ordinances (CECO). Those would require energy conservation upgrades during property title transfer. If those components were removed from the plan, Pacifica's climate action goal would be adjusted down to 35 percent below 2005 levels. 

....  "I'm happy we directed staff to bring back a plan that aggressively lowers our greenhouse gas emission but also has no risk to increase homeowners' costs," said Councilmember Len Stone."  Read article.  

Photograph and slogan from Buzzle, "List of save the environment slogans". 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

ALISTER MacKENZIE TOURNAMENT, MAY 31 TO SAVE SHARP PARK

Click here to download the entry form (Adobe.pdf)    MARK YOUR CALENDAR, ROUND-UP YOUR FOURSOME, AND SEND IN YOUR ENTRY FOR THE BIG EVENT !  The fight to Save Sharp Park continues.  So please join us for the Third Annual Alister MacKenzie Tournament, Saturday, May 31.  All proceeds go to our ongoing campaign  to Save Sharp Park.   Your $175 entry fee pays for a long day of fun,  18 holes of golf, a GREAT tee prize, and donation to the worthy cause of saving Alister MacKenzie's historic public Sharp Park golf links. The tournament format will be foursome scramble.  We will have 2 shotguns:  at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with BBQ lunch for all at Noon; the day will conclude with silent auction, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and festivities in the Clubhouse.   We need Captains to sign-up their 4-somes early.  So Save the Date.  And sign-up your teammates, fill-in the entry blanks, and return them to us. Please let us know right away if you can serve as a Team Captain.  And let us know if you or anyone you know can Sponsor a Hole or be one of our honored Tournament Sponsors.  Thanks, from your San Francisco Public Golf Alliance Team.

Posted by Steve Sinai

Economic Development Committee, tonight, Tuesday, March 11, 2014

City Council memo to it citizen Economic Development Committee:
The City has created more space for Economic Development Plans.
Our program: "Do nothing big", continue to procure grants, cut staff.

Economic Development Committee, Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 6 p.m.
Police Department Conference Room, 2075 Coast Highway 

Economic Development Committee Agenda, 3/11/14.

Last visible minutes:  August 13, 2013, Economic Development, See Item 4.  After this report was sent to City Council, where did it go?  Was it taken seriously, or was it another no action report, not taken seriously,  that was shelved?   

"The Economic Development Committee exists to support the development of current local businesses and their interface with the City of Pacifica, improve aging business districts, and bring new businesses to Pacifica. 

The objectives of the committee are to:   

1.  Work with the City Manager to review and develop plans to improve customer service in departments interfacing with current and potential Pacifica businesses; 

2.  Facilitate owners/operators in existing business districts to organize, develop and implement plans for improvement and business development; and 

3.  Devise and implement a plan for outreach and marketing of Pacifica to encourage business growth."

----

Note photograph: empty shelf from Annandale,VA blog.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

City Council meeting, Monday - March 10, 2014

Item 7.  Try to "like" us.....

Attend in person, 2212 Beach Boulevard, 2nd floor.  Or, view on local television or live feed Pacificcoast.TV, (formerly pct26.com).  The meeting begins at 7 p.m., or shortly there following.  City council updates and archives are available on the City website.   

Pacifica City Council meeting, March 10, 2014

Closed session, 5:30 p.m. 

CA government code 54957.6.  Conference with labor negotiator. Agency Negotiator: Glen Berkheimer.  Firefighters Local 2400, Battalion Chiefs Local 856, Department Directors Local 350. Wastewater Treatment Plant Employees Local 856. Miscellaneous Local 856.  Managers Local 350.  Police Officers Association, Supervisors, Management Local 350.

Open Session, 7:00 p.m. 
Consent Calendar 

1.    Approval of  disbursements, fiscal year 2013-14, 2/21/14 - 3/05/14.

2.    Approval of  City Council Minutes, 2/24/14.
3.    Continuing 4/7/10 proclamation of a cliff erosion at 380 and 400 Esplanade Avenue.
4.    Route 1/San Pedro Creek bridge replacement and creek widening project/Wilsey Ham (consultant) time and charges contract amendment 14. Highway 1 Fund 12:  $357,206. (San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) will reimburse). 
5.    Palmetto Laterals Project, bid contract awarded to Ranger Pipelines, Inc. Sewer Facility Construction Fund 34 - SEP Lateral Program, $99,107.00.  

Consideration
6.  Fourth of July fireworks related issues:  1) parking, 2) fireworks fees, 3) anti-litter campaign.
7.  Adoption of one-way community social media communication through "Nextdoor", with two-way communication in mind for the future. Staff will recommend implementation of a Communications Plan at the 3/24/14 meeting.

Adjourn   Note:  graphic from the bold and fierce blog

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Some parcel taxes may never go away, why waste our money

The agency (city, school district, etc.) cannot function, they say, without the revenue (money), and we're 69% sure neither can their partner, the market research company.  Why not save those of us citizens who pay for this voting circus (city staff, "research", marketing, ballot) time and money, and make the tax permanent?

Yeah, and how often do we become the bacon?

Prize pig homeowner,
we love you!
(City, County, Districts)

Half Moon Bay Review/Julia Reis, 3/6/14. "Parcel tax renewal heads for June ballot.  School board set to address issue."

Half Moon Bay - "Cabrillo Unified School District’s governing board will likely adopt a resolution to place Measure E, the five-year parcel tax set to expire in June 2015, on the upcoming June ballot.

A resolution to establish the amount and term of a parcel tax measure for this June’s election is on the agenda for this Thursday’s governing board meeting. Staff recommends that the board approve the renewal. The district has indicated that it hopes to renew the tax at the same level as a five-year, $150-per-parcel tax. The parcel tax generates $1.7 million per year for Cabrillo, which uses the money to maintain academic programs, retain smaller class sizes and more. A second interim budget report, which will also be discussed at Thursday’s meeting, indicates that the district would have to make $1.2 million in budget cuts if the parcel tax renewal fails. 

In September, a phone survey conducted by EMC Research revealed that 69 percent of likely voters would vote in favor of renewing the parcel tax. The measure would need support from a two-thirds majority."  The governing board meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the district office boardroom at 498 Kelly Ave. in Half Moon Bay."

Note:  pig photograph from Tracy Fells blog, graphic "prize pig"pig from Embroidery Library, Inc.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Traffic bottleneck solution, still waiting...

No problem with traffic in Pacifica, unless you commute.
Few jobs in Pacifica, so commuting is necessary.
Fixing a 1.3 mile traffic bottleneck, 30 years and counting.... rocket science?

Pacifica Tribune Letters to the Editor.  "Planning--Pacifica Style" by Chris Gabrielli

"The International Space station, orbiting this planet, took seven years to build, launch and link together in space. Pacifica talks for 30 years about a known commute and safety hazard on Hwy 1 and nothing is built. 

And now we have opponents urging buses no one takes, school start time changes that have been rejected and walk-to-work which is silly. Oh, traffic light timing which the traffic light timing company says will not work. Perfect!"

Submitted by Jim Wagner

Note:  photograph by Brendan Bartholomew, from The Daily Journal (San Mateo).  Pacifica Tribune Letters electronic update was 2/25/14, the following letter was printed in the 3/5/14 newspaper.  

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Move forward to make Highway 1 safe and efficient

The long-standing Highway 1 traffic bottleneck
in our city is an unnecessary traffic hazard
with an available solution now 

Pacifica Tribune Letters to the Editor.  "Mayor Pete is Right" by Mary Brown

"Pacifica must use the same "relentless" funding effort that got the tunnel going and apply that effort to moving the Hwy 1 fix ahead. The tunnel was a safety issue to bypass the slide. 

The Hwy 1 jam-up is also a safety issue as the retired Pacific firefighters have very correctly pointed out. Emergency vehicles stuck in traffic, or driving on the wrong side of the road to get ahead, is intolerable. One extra lane in each direction speeds everyone up. It will get me to work on time and students to school on time as well. More delay means we all pay." 

Submitted by Jim Wagner

Note:  picture from Cairoscene,"The Cairo commute".  Pacifica Tribune Letters electronic update was 2/25/14, the following letter was printed in the 3/5/14 newspaper.   

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Stop the debate, fix the highway already

Pacifica Tribune Letters to the Editor.  "A safe Highway 1" by Darlene Gonzalez 

Seriously naysayers, time to to move on

"Editor:  This constant yammering over ever step of an improvement to our Hwy 1 commute is really misguided and even mean-spirited.  A safe and efficient commute.  How hard is that to achieve?

The naysayers fund a lawsuit.  Not trusting that obstruction, they try a petition. Maybe they should try cooperation.

Thousands are stuck in this bottleneck.  Emergency vehicles can't move freely and also can't reposition to the north end of town quickly if needed.  That affects everyone.

I have been stuck in this traffic for years.  Time to move forward.  Time to stop the endless debate."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Oakland adding population

San Francisco Chronicle/Will Kane, 3/5/14.  "Oakland Mayor Quan unveiling her own 10,000-resident plan. 

Oakland downtown from Lake Merritt 

"Quan, who is facing a tough re-election battle this year, said the city has to act quickly to encourage investment and approve construction projects while young families and singles are still fleeing San Francisco and other expensive areas for the comparatively low rents of Oakland.

Her plan, much like former Mayor Jerry Brown's at the time, is to convince developers - and voters - that the city is functional, efficient and open for business. But her aggressive pursuit of new investment and development concerns community members who worry that city leaders might sell out poor longtime residents. Quan said 15 projects across the city could bring 7,500 new housing units to Oakland.

 The fact that we are finishing up five specific area plans means it is easier and faster for developers to come in and build projects," Quan said. For example, the neighborhood plans would allow developers to pay the city a fee instead of completing arduous parking studies, which can take as long as a year, said Rachel Flynn, Oakland's planning director."  Read article, includes graphic map of "projects on the drawing board".

 Related -  City-data/Oakland.  Note:  photograph from Meetings Quest. "Coming soon:  Oakland, CA." "With its temperate climate, convenient location, and wide selection of venues, Oakland is the perfect place to hold your next meeting or event. The Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau is dedicated to helping you with all stages of the planning process. The recently renovated Oakland Convention Center is conveniently located in downtown Oakland only ten minutes from the Oakland International Airport. Right outside the doors of the convention center you will find Oakland’s Chinatown, Old Oakland, Preservation Park, shopping and within a few short blocks the waterfront, Jack London Square and the Paramount Theatre."  

Posted by Kathy Meeh

A market research firm sells you a new city tax or fee. You're paying them to tax you

Does this sound familiar?  Godbe market research indicates 65% of likely voters will say yes. At the same time, the city who hired the market research firm says the money is needed to help services.  (Bob Hutchinson).

San Jose Mercury News/Daily Review/Rebecca Parr.  "Hayward puts half-cent sales tax on June ballot."  

Well of course I want a library for my children,
a reliable fire department, police in my neighborhood,
and streets that do not ruin my car.

"HAYWARD -- City voters will decide in June whether to raise the sales tax by a half-cent to 9.5 percent, generating about $10 million a year, with much of the money paying for more police officers, a new main library and upgrading of fire stations.

If voters OK the sales tax increase, it would be the same as Union City's, according to the staff report.
In addition to supporting more police, a library and fire station upgrades, residents who took a city survey also favored a new fire department training center, street repairs and more maintenance workers. Library supporters promised the council they would work to get the measure passed."  Read article.

Reference - City of Hayward/City Manager's Office, 2/25/14, "Update on Potential June 2014 Revenue Measure," background pages 2-3. "Godbe Research,"a full-service market research firm", report to the "City of Hayward:  2014 Revenue Measure Feasibility Tracking Survey, February 2014," from pages 4-26.

1.  POSSIBLE funding priorities, based upon $10,000,000 annual funding (20 year annual cost or  bond debt), page 22:
Library and Community Learning Center, total unfunded cost:  $50,000,000, ($3,990.000).
Other Fire Station Retrofits/Improvements, total cost $10,000,000, ($798,000).
New Fire Station #6 Training Center, total cost $8,200,000, ($654,400).
Street repairs, 2 miles of overlay and 4 miles of slurry seal, ($1,000,000).
Addition of 5 police officers, cost per officer $200,000, ($1,000,000).
Restoring 5 maintenance workers, cost per worker $100,000, ($1,000,000).
Total annual cost:  $7,942,400, contingency $2,057,600.

A.  Potential ballot question language (from tracking poll), page 23:
"To protect and sestore city services and facilities, including:  increasing neighborhood police patrols; repairing potholes and maintaining streets and sidewalks; updating fire stations to meet neighborhood needs and earthquake standards; replacing the outdated and undersized library with a 21st century library and community learning center, and other city services; shall City of Hayward increase the sales tax by one-half percent, for twenty years, providing locally controlled funding that cannot be taken by the State?" 

B.  Possible alternative ballot language, page 24:
"To restore and maintain Hayward city services/facilities, including firefighting/emergency medical services; improving police protection for neighborhoods; replacing the aging library with a 21st Century facility including safe space for after-school homework/tutoring; repairing potholes, streets and sidewalks; updating aging neighborhood fire stations: and other city services; shall the City of Hayward increase the sales tax by 1/2 percent, for twenty years only, providing locally controlled funding that cannot be taken away by the State?"

Reference - Godbe Market Research. "For more than 17 years, Godbe Research has developed innovative research methodologies designed to assess market situations, evaluate public opinion and assist both private and public sector organizations with the development of effective strategies.  Our customized primary and secondary research studies employ established data collection methods with precise measurement and analysis techniques to deliver the knowledge you need to make sound, strategic decisions.  We pride ourselves on providing personalized service from seasoned researchers, and the agility to mobilize resources to ensure your project is completed on time and on budget." 

Submitted by Bob Hutchinson

Note photograph:  Thoughtful interview from Smartbridge (creating exceptional).

Posted by Kathy Meeh